Dyer County's composite score of 76.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by more than 50%, placing it among well-performing American counties. This performance reflects strong housing affordability and low tax rates.
2 / 5
Right at Tennessee's typical performance level
Dyer County scores 76.1, essentially matching Tennessee's state average of 76.3, making it a representative example of the state's overall livability. It's a solid, dependable county for Tennessee living.
3 / 5
Affordability and low taxes are cornerstones
Dyer County excels with a cost score of 83.4 and a tax score of 85.2 (effective rate of 0.606%), offering median home values of $159,500 and monthly rents averaging $760. These figures make it genuinely affordable.
4 / 5
Income levels lag behind some peers
The median household income of $54,973 and income score of 19.3 indicate limited earning potential compared to suburban and urban centers. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable.
5 / 5
Ideal for families prioritizing low cost living
Dyer County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking affordable rural living without major economic trade-offs. The combination of low housing costs and reasonable tax rates creates genuine financial breathing room.
Dyer County's composite score of 76.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by more than 50%, placing it among well-performing American counties. This performance reflects strong housing affordability and low tax rates.
Right at Tennessee's typical performance level
Dyer County scores 76.1, essentially matching Tennessee's state average of 76.3, making it a representative example of the state's overall livability. It's a solid, dependable county for Tennessee living.
Affordability and low taxes are cornerstones
Dyer County excels with a cost score of 83.4 and a tax score of 85.2 (effective rate of 0.606%), offering median home values of $159,500 and monthly rents averaging $760. These figures make it genuinely affordable.
Income levels lag behind some peers
The median household income of $54,973 and income score of 19.3 indicate limited earning potential compared to suburban and urban centers. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable.
Ideal for families prioritizing low cost living
Dyer County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families seeking affordable rural living without major economic trade-offs. The combination of low housing costs and reasonable tax rates creates genuine financial breathing room.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Dyer County's effective tax rate of 0.606% generates median property taxes of $966, just over one-third of the national median property tax of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom 35% nationally, offering residents far lighter property tax burden than the typical American homeowner.
Among highest rates in Tennessee
Dyer County's effective rate of 0.606% ranks third-highest among Tennessee's 95 counties, exceeded only by Crockett County (0.645%) and Davidson County (0.618%). This places Dyer substantially above the state average of 0.511%, making it a higher-tax county within Tennessee.
Highest taxes in most of northwest Tennessee
Dyer County's 0.606% rate exceeds nearby Decatur County (0.488%) and DeKalb County (0.362%) by significant margins. Only Crockett County in the region carries a comparable or higher tax burden, making Dyer one of the pricier places for property ownership locally.
What a typical Dyer County homeowner pays
On the median home value of $159,500, Dyer County homeowners pay approximately $966 annually in property taxes. Whether mortgaged ($959) or owned outright ($978), residents face consistent annual tax obligations.
Challenge your Dyer County assessment
Dyer County homeowners, particularly those in neighborhoods experiencing turnover, should verify their assessed values against recent sales. An appeal is worthwhile if your home's assessment outpaces comparable properties in your area.
Dyer County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio underperforms the national average, meaning renters here enjoy better affordability than typical Americans. With median rent at $760 and median household income of $54,973—below the national $74,755—Dyer sacrifices income for housing savings, creating a favorable trade-off for budget-conscious relocators.
Dyer ranks among Tennessee's most affordable
Dyer's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Tennessee's 17.6% state average, securing it a position among the state's best rental values. The $760 median rent sits well below the state average of $860, making Dyer particularly attractive for renters prioritizing low monthly payments.
Dyer offers cheapest rents with modest income
Dyer's $760 rent is the lowest among its regional peers, undercutting Crockett ($854) and Cumberland ($829) while matching DeKalb ($773). Against these comparables, Dyer's $54,973 median income exceeds Decatur and DeKalb, delivering better affordability without extreme income sacrifice.
Dyer's housing costs balance well
Renters allocate $760 monthly while owners pay $747 for mortgages, both consuming under 17% of the $54,973 median household income. The median home value of $159,500 remains accessible for many households, particularly those with dual incomes or accumulated down payments.
Dyer delivers genuine rural affordability
Considering Dyer works well for renters and homebuyers seeking low housing costs without extreme income cuts versus urban alternatives. Stack Dyer's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio against pricier Dickson (15.9%, but higher income) or income-poor Decatur (18.6%) to confirm Dyer fits your financial priorities.
Dyer County's median household income of $54,973 falls $19,782 short of the national median of $74,755—a 26% gap. This shortfall reflects rural Tennessee's persistent economic divergence from national income levels.
Below Tennessee state average income
Dyer's $54,973 median household income runs 7% below Tennessee's state average of $58,994. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Tennessee counties by income, suggesting limited high-wage employment opportunities.
Middle earnings among rural comparison counties
Dyer's $54,973 exceeds DeKalb ($48,484) and Decatur ($46,190) but lags Crockett ($59,049), Cumberland ($58,475), and significantly trails Dickson ($73,223). Dyer occupies a modest middle ground in rural Tennessee's income hierarchy.
Affordable housing supports financial stability
Dyer's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio indicates solid housing affordability, with families spending under the stress threshold. Median home values of $159,500 align reasonably with local income levels, supporting sustainable homeownership.
Building wealth in rural Tennessee
Dyer County residents benefit from affordable housing costs that create room for savings and investment. Establish automatic transfers to tax-advantaged retirement accounts and explore community-based financial education programs to build long-term wealth despite modest income levels.
Dyer County residents live to just 69.9 years on average, more than 8 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 78.1 years. With 23.7% reporting poor/fair health, the county faces significant health challenges exceeding the national average of 18%.
Lowest life expectancy in Tennessee group
Dyer County's 69.9-year life expectancy is the lowest among all eight counties examined, falling 2.5 years below Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years. The county represents one of Tennessee's most health-challenged communities.
Limited providers in rural county
Dyer County's 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents slightly exceeds Dickson County (31) but falls well short of more urban peers like Cumberland County (64). Mental health providers at 82 per 100,000 provide some access but lag significantly behind state leaders.
Low uninsured rate masks access struggles
Despite having the state's lowest uninsured rate at 10.6%, Dyer County still ranks poorly in life expectancy and health outcomes, suggesting provider scarcity is a key barrier. The 33 primary care providers per 100,000 means residents must travel or wait for appointments even when insured.
Coverage is essential in rural context
Dyer County's strong coverage rate (10.6% uninsured) hasn't solved its health crisis, but coverage is still foundational—especially in areas with limited providers. Visit healthcare.gov to ensure you have coverage that connects you to available local and regional healthcare resources.
Dyer County's composite risk score of 86.58 with a Relatively Moderate rating substantially exceeds national averages, placing it among the more vulnerable U.S. counties. This elevated exposure stems primarily from tornado and earthquake hazards.
Among Tennessee's Highest-Risk Counties
At 86.58, Dyer ranks 34 points above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, making it one of the state's most vulnerable counties. Only Davidson County (97.17) and Fayette (75.95) exceed Dyer's risk profile within the state.
Far Riskier Than Most Neighboring Areas
Dyer's 86.58 score significantly exceeds Crockett (52.58), Dickson (53.47), and most other West Tennessee neighbors. Only Fayette County (75.95) comes close to Dyer's elevated composite risk.
Tornado and Earthquake Threats Peak
Tornado risk reaches 88.39 and earthquake risk hits 97.61—both among the state's highest values and Dyer's defining hazards. Flood and wildfire risks remain moderate at 37.85 and 24.62 respectively.
Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Protection Required
With composite risk at 86.58, Dyer County residents need earthquake coverage (not included in standard policies) and enhanced tornado/wind protection. Review your safe room construction and ensure insurance limits match current property replacement costs.